Groups NP Research Articles

PSVI-21 Effect of preconditioning pre-shipment and injectable antioxidant trace elements and vitamins on growth, antioxidant status, and plasma metabolites and insulin concentration in weaned beef cattle

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weaning preconditioning and parenteral supplementation of minerals and vitamin on growth and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), glucose, NEFA, and insulin concentrations, in calves at feedlot arrival. Sixty male Angus-cross calves were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (n=15/treatment). Treatments were arranged in a 2x2 factorial design; the main factors were mineral and vitamins supplementation (supplementation (S) vs no supplementation (NS)), and preconditioning (preconditioning (P) vs. not (NP)). Supplementation was applied subcutaneously on d -45, -26 and 0 and provided Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, and vitamins A and E (Adaptador Min-Vit ®, Biogénesis Bagó). Preconditioning consisted in a 26-day period between weaning and transportation at feedlot (d0) with the animals remaining in the same location. Blood samples were collected on d -26, 0 and 15. Animals were weighted on d-45, -26, 0, 8, 15 and 29. On d0 calves were load into a truck and drove for 5-hours to the feedlot. Data were analyzed using a mixed model as a 2x2 factorial, using repeated measurements. Body weight was greater on d 0, 8 15 and 29 group on groups NP, followed by S-P, and the lowest for NS-P (Triple interaction P < 0.01). Treatment did not affect (P ˃ 0.1) plasma insulin and glucose concentrations. There was a triple interaction (P < 0.08) for plasma TAS and NEFA concentration. Plasma TAS concentration was grater due to a decrease in its concentration for the S-P and NS-NP from d0 to d8, but not in the other treatments. Plasma NEFA concentration had the greater increase in the NP groups followed by S-NP on d0. In conclusion, 26-days precondition weaning decrease body weight compare with a traditional weaning. Mineral and vitamin supplementation in precondition weaning partially reduced that effect

Effect of number of pontics and impression technique on the accuracy of four-unit monolithic zirconia fixed dental prostheses

Statement of problemBecause of their relatively small scanning area, intraoral scanners may result in less accurate fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) than do laboratory scanners. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of monolithic zirconia FDPs with different numbers of pontics fabricated with different impression techniques. Material and methodsThe mandibular right premolars and molars of an acrylic resin model were prepared to receive 4-unit FDPs. Three master models were fabricated with epoxy resin: model NP, no pontic; model 1P, 1 pontic; and model 2P, 2 pontics. Each master model was scanned by using direct (DD) and indirect digitalization (ID). Four-unit monolithic zirconia FDPs were fabricated and divided into 3 groups (groups NP, 1P, and 2P) and then subdivided according to the digitalization technique (group DD and ID; n=10). The FDPs were also evaluated based on the presence (Po) or absence (NPo) of an adjacent pontic. The marginal, axial, and occlusal gap widths of each FDP were measured, and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate and compare the amount of gap present (α=.05). ResultsFor direct digitalization, group 2P had significantly greater marginal (69.4 μm versus 60.9 μm or 62.3 μm; P<.001) and axial gap widths (127.1 μm versus 108.9 μm or 110.4 μm; P<.001) than group NP or 1P. Group DD resulted in significantly smaller gaps compared with group ID at marginal (64.8 μm versus 73.6 μm), axial (114.8 μm versus 124.3 μm), and occlusal (172.6 μm versus 184.1 μm) measurement locations (P<.001). Greater marginal and axial gaps were noted in group Po than NPo (P<.001). ConclusionsThe length of the edentulous area significantly influenced the extent of the marginal and internal gap with the use of direct digitalization. Direct digitalization resulted in significantly smaller gap widths in all measurement areas than indirect digitalization; however, the mean differences were less than 12 μm, which is considered clinically insignificant. The presence of an adjacent pontic had a significant effect on the adjacent marginal and axial gap widths.

Effects of low dietary protein on the metabolites and microbial communities in the caecal digesta of piglets

Thirty-six healthy piglets (weighing 10 ± 1 kg; three animals per pen) were randomly allocated to two treatments: (i) a low protein diet (14% crude protein [CP]) supplemented with lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan (Group LP) and (ii) a normal protein diet (20% CP, Group NP), resulting in six replicate pens per treatment. One piglet from each pen was slaughtered at days 10, 25 and 45 of the experiment. For the whole experimental period of 45 d, Group LP had lower feed intake and daily gain and a higher feed-to-gain ratio compared with Group NP. At day 10, no effects on measured caecum metabolites were observed, but at days 25 and 45 in Group LP the concentration of ammonia-N, cadaverine, branched chain fatty acids and acetate were reduced. This was also true for the concentration of short chain fatty acids at day 45. The results of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed that microbial diversity in Group LP was less abundant at day 25, but there was no difference at days 10 and 45. An unweighted pair group mean average analysis showed that the similarities were lower between Groups LP and NP at day 10 and higher at days 25 and 45. Quantitation results indicated that the numbers of Firmicutes and Clostridium cluster IV were lower in Group LP than in Group NP at day 25, but there were no differences at days 10 and 45. In conclusion, the low protein diet markedly reduced the metabolites of protein and carbohydrate fermentation and altered microbial communities in the caecal digesta of piglets.

The effect of cold-light-activated bleaching treatment on enamel surfaces in vitro

This in vitro study aims to evaluate the crystal and surface microstructure of dental enamel after cold-light bleaching treatment. Twelve sound human premolars were cross-split into four specimens, namely, mesio-buccal (Group LP), disto-buccal (Group P), mesio-lingual (Group NP) and disto-lingual (Group L) specimens. These four groups were treated using the standard cold-light bleaching procedure, a bleaching agent, a peroxide-free bleaching agent and cold-light, respectively. Before and after treatment, all specimens were analyzed by high-resolution, micro-area X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Using a spectrometer, tooth color of all specimens was measured before and after treatment. The phase of the enamel crystals was identified as hydroxyapatite and carbonated hydroxyapatite. After treatment, specimens in Groups LP and P showed significantly weaker X-ray diffraction peaks, significant reduction in crystal size and crystallinity, significant increase in L* but decrease in a* and b*, and obvious alterations in the surface morphology. However, specimens in Groups NP and L did not show any significant changes. The cold-light bleaching treatment leads to demineralization in the enamel surface. The acidic peroxide-containing bleaching agent was the major cause of demineralization, whereas cold-light did not exhibit significant increase or decrease effect on this demineralization.

Reversal of Attitude: The Influence of Counter-Attitudinal Information

Problem statement: Research has shown that both positive and negative information can alter a neutral attitude towards an unknown person, with negative information having, in general, a larger impact. Though this positive-negative asymmetry has received considerable attention, it has, to our knowledge, not been tested in more current and powerful social media, such as youtube. Although attitudes are not fixed, literature on the reversal of a recently established attitude by providing counter-attitudinal information is sparse. Therefore, the main aims of the present study were to examine positve-negative asymmetry in attitude formation using youtube fragments and to test the permanence of the establihed attitude by providing counter-attitudinal information. Approach: A total of 89 persons received either a positively (P) or a negatively (N) valued youtube fragment concerning a neutral target person. Subsequently, half of each group received positive written information (groups PP and NP) regarding the target person; the other half received negative written information (groups PN and NN). Results: The results indicate that it is indeed possible to change a neutral attitude using youtube fragments, with a larger attitude change after negative than positive material. Textual information reversed this attitude, with an equal effect for positive and negative information. Conclusion/Recommendations: It is possible to quickly change an attitude towards a neutral person using youtube fragments, this formed attitude can easily be reversed by providing textual counter-attitudinal information. These findings can contribute to gaining a better understanding of the effect of modern social media on attitude formation and its transiency.

Negative pressure versus loss of resistance technique for interpleural block

Background:Loss of resistance is a commonly practiced technique among the trainees. But, for performing interpleural block (IPB), negative-pressure identification techniques have been popularized. This study was designed to evaluate the two techniques in trainee anaesthetists.Methods:Sixty American society of anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade 1 and 2 women scheduled for elective breast surgeries under general anaesthesia were recruited for the study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive IPB (25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with adrenaline 5 mg/mL) with either loss of resistance technique (group LR, n=45) or the negative-pressure technique (group NP, n=45). The success rate and ease of performance was evaluated by the number of attempts and time taken.Results:Higher first attempt success rate was observed in group LR (90%) when compared with group NP (80%), with a significantly shorter mean time to successful identification of interpleural space in the group LR (5 min) than in the group NP (5.8 min), P<0.01log rank test. All patients had satisfactory IPB and the median numbers of segments blocked were 7 (5–9) and 6 (5–7) in groups LR and NP, respectively. No significant complications were observed in any of the patients.Conclusion:Both techniques are safe and effective, but the loss of resistance technique is associated with a higher first attempt success rate performed in a shorter time by trainee anaesthetists.

Role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in spinal cord in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Objective To evaluate the role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in spinal cord in a rat model of neuropathic pain.Methods One hundred and eighty male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups( n =45 each): sham operation group(group S),neuropathic pain group (group NP),siRNA negative control group (group NS) and PARP1-siRNA group (group PS).Neuropathic pain was produced by L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL).Viral of PARP1-siRNA or viral of siRNA negative control was injected intrathecally after SNL in groups PS or NS.Mechanical pain threshold was determined at 3,7 and 14 d after SNL.Then the rats were sacrificed and L5 lumbar spinal tissues were removed for determination of coexpression of PARP1 with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (by immunohistochemistry double stain),protein expression of PARP1 and GFAP (by Western blot),and mRNA expression of PARP1 and GFAP (by RT-PCR).Results Compared with group S,mechanical pain threshold was significantly decreased and the protein and mRNA expression of GFAP and PARP1 up-regulated in groups NP,NS and PS( P ＜ 0.05).Compared with groups NP and NS,mechanical pain threshold was significantly increased and the protein and mRNA expression of GFAP and PARP1 down-regulated in group PS (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in above indexes between groups NP and NS(P ＞0.05 ).PARR1 was expressed in the astrocytes in the spinal cord.Conclusion PARP1 is involved in the formation and maintainance of neuropathic pain in rats via activating astrocytes. Key words: ADP-ribose; Neuralgia; Spinal cord

Role of benzodiazepine receptor in amnesic effect of different intravenons anesthetics in mice

Objective To investigate the role of the benzodiazepine receptor in the amnesic effect of propofol, etomidate and ketamine in mice. Methods Two hundred and eighty-eight Kunming mice of both sexes weighing 18-23 g were randomly divided into 9 groups（ n = 32 each） ： group normal saline ＋ normal saline （group NN） ; group normal saline ＋ fat emulsion （group NF） ; group flumazenil ＋ normal saline （group FN） ; group nor- mal saline ＋ propofol （group NP） ; group flumazenil ＋ propofol （group FP） ;group normal saline ＋ etomidate （group NE）; group flumazenil ＋ etcimidate （group FE ）; group normal saline ＋ ketamine （group NK ） and group flumazenil ＋ ketamine （group NK）. Normal saline 10 ml/kg was given IP at 10 min before the tests, and normal saline 10 ml/kg, fat emulsion 10 ml/kg, propofol 25 mg/kg, etomidate 3 mg/kg and ketamine 20 mg/kg at 5 min before the tests in groups NN, NF, NP, NE and NK respectively. Flumazenil 1 mg/kg was given IP at 10 rain before the tests, and normal saline 10 ml/kg, fat emulsion 10 ml/kg, propofol 25 mg/kg, etomidate 3 mg/kg and ketamine 20 mg/kg at 5 min before the tests in groups NN, NF, NP, NE and NK respectively. Darkness-avoiding test, platform-mounting test and Morris water maze test were performed to assess the cognition function. The latency of response and number of error were recorded in each test. Results Propofol, etomidate and ketamine signifi-canfly shortened the duration of latency of response in platform-mounting test as compared with group NN. Etomidate also significantly increased the number of error in platform-mounting test as compared with group NN, while ketamine prolonged the duration of latency of response in Morris water maze test as compared with group NN. Flumazcnil significantly counteracted the above action of the 3 intravenous anesthetics. Conclusion Benzodiazepine receptor may play an important role in the amnesic effect induced by propofol, etomidate and ketamine. Key words: Receptors, GABA-A ; Amnesia; Propofol ; Etomidate ; Ketamine

Partial coverage restoration systems on molars – comparison of failure load after exposure to a mastication simulator

This in vitro study evaluated the failure load of partial coverage restorations (PCR) made of various materials cemented on natural molars after exposure to the mastication simulator. Sixty-four maxillary molars were divided into four groups of 16 test specimens each. The specimens in one group remained unprepared (group NP); the teeth in the other groups were prepared equally according to standardized guidelines and restored with the following PCR: Group GO (Gold-Pontor-MPF; Metaux Precieux SA, Metalor, Neuchatel, Switzerland), group TA (Targis; Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and group EM (IPS-Empress; Ivoclar Vivadent AG). The restorations in group GO were cemented conventionally, while those in groups TA and EM were luted adhesively. Groups NP and GO served as control groups. All test specimens were subjected to 1.2 million cycles (F = 49 N) in a mastication simulator. Subsequently, all test specimens were loaded occlusally until fracture occurred using an universal testing machine. All specimens withstood the masticating simulation. The median (IQR = x(0.25)-x(0.75)) failure loads were as follows: group NP: 1960.3(1480.5-2227.5) N, group TA: 1478.6(1293.4-1856.7) N and group EM: 1400.1(1043.1-1721.6) N. All test specimens of group GO achieved fracture strength values which exceeded a fracture load of 5500 N. The values of group GO were statistically significantly higher than those of groups NP, TA and EM (P < 0.00001). Furthermore, the results of group NP were significantly higher (P = 0.0226) than those of group EM. The results of groups NP and TA (P = 0.2022) as well as of groups TA and EM (P = 0.5340) did not differ significantly. The median values of all PCR systems obtained were within the limits of clinical acceptance. Long-term clinical investigations which take additional parameters into consideration are required before the composite-based Targis(R) (Ivoclar Vivadent AG) material can be recommended for indirect PCR.

53 Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and Postnatal Catch-Up Growth on Arterial Blood Pressure (BP), Glucose Tolerance (GT) and Renal Func

Introduction: Epidemiological and experimental studies demonstrate that low birth weight is associated with increased risk of arterial hypertension and metabolic diseases in adulthood. Rapid postnatal catch-up growth may constitute an additional risk factor.Aim: To investigate the long term effects of early postnatal overfeeding (OF) after IUGR, on arterial systolic blood pressure (SBP), GT, and renal function in 12 month old, adult rats.Methods: 4 groups of animals were investigated from birth to 12 months: group I, controls: offspring of dams fed normal diet (NP, casein 22 %); group II: offspring of dams fed isocaloric low-protein diet (LP, casein 9 %); group III: postnatal OF (obtained by reduction of litter size); group IV: LP rats exposed to postnatal OF. SBP was measured at 1, 2, 8 and 12 months, glomerular number was determined in newborn pups and renal function (creatinine clearance (CrCl), was assessed at 4 and 12 months. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed in 12 months old animals. Data were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Withney tests.Results: (mean +/- SEM). LP rats offspring had a 20 % birth weight and 38 % glomerular number reduction (p < 0.01). Postnatally OF rats had the higher growth rate during suckling period (p <0.005). Although smaller at birth, LP+OF rats caught up the weight of control offspring within the first postnatal month. Catch-up growth was associated with an elevated SBP from the age of 4 weeks (110 +/-3; 117 +/- 2; 116 +/- 3; 127 +/- 2 mmHg in groups NP, LP, OF, LP+OF rats respectively; p < 0.05), which remained higher in 12 months old LP+OF rats. LP and OF rats displayed a significantly elevated SBP from the age of 2 months in comparison with controls (144 +/- 3; 146 +/-1.6; 130 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.05). But the difference in SBP between LP and controls rats disappeared at the age of 12 months. CrCl decreased with age in LP+OF rats but reached statistical significance in males at 12 months (3.34 +/- 0.2; 4.26 +/-0.3; 4.61+/-1.6; 5.48 +/-1.6 ml/min/kg in LP+OF, LP, OF, controls respectively). At the age of 12 months, fasting glycaemia was significantly elevated in LP+OF rats compared to controls (6.4 vs 5.1 mmol/l). After challenge with a glucose load OF and LP+OF rats had significantly higher 30 min blood glucose levels compared with controls (24+/-1.9; 19+/-1.8; 17 +/-1.2;17+/-0.8 mmol/l in LP+OF, OF, LP, controls respectively; p<0.05).Conclusion: Early catch-up growth in IUGR rats enhances alteration of SBP, glucose tolerance and renal function in adulthood. Long term alteration of renal function seems influenced by gender. Early postnatal overfeeding may amplify single nephron hyperfiltration, and insulin-resistance associated with IUGR, resulting in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at adulthood.

54 Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Catch-up Growth on Arterial Blood Pressure, Glucose Tolerance and Renal Function in Adult Rats

Introduction: Low birth weight is associated with increased risk of arterial hypertension and metabolic diseases in adulthood. Rapid postnatal catch-up growth may constitute an additional risk factor. Aim: To investigate the effects of postnatal overfeeding (OF) after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in 12 month old, adult rats. Methods: 4 groups of animals were investigated: group I, controls: offspring of dams fed normal diet (NP, casein 22 %); group II: offspring of dams fed isocaloric low-protein diet (LP, casein 9 %); group III: postnatal OF (obtained by reduction of litter size); group IV: LP rats exposed to postnatal OF. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), glomerular number, renal function, fasting glycaemia and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were obtained Results: (mean +/- SEM). Offspring of dams fed LP diet had a 20 % birth weight and 38 % glomerular number reduction (p < 0.01). Catch-up growth was associated with an elevated SBP from the age of 4 weeks (110 +/-3; 117 +/- 2; 116 +/- 3; 127 +/- 2 mmHg in groups NP, LP, OF, LP+OF rats respectively; p < 0.05). But the difference in SBP between LP and controls rats disappeared at the age of 12 months. Creatinine clearance decreased with age in LP+OF rats but reached statistical significance in males at 12 months (3.34 +/- 0.2; 4.26 +/-0.3; 4.61+/-1.6; 5.48 +/-1.6 ml/min/kg in LP+OF, LP, OF, controls respectively). Proteinuria was significantly higher in LP+OF rats than in controls at 4 months. At the age of 12 months, glucose tolerance was significantly altered in OF and LP+OF rats. Conclusion: Early catch-up growth in IUGR rats enhances alteration of SBP, glucose tolerance and renal function in adulthood. Early postnatal overfeeding may amplify single nephron hyperfiltration, and insulin-resistance associated with IUGR, resulting in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at adulthood.

Forensic analysis of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT): implementation of a screening and confirmatory analysis concept is hampered by the lack of CDT isoform standards

The aim of the study was to test combinations of commercially available carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) assays for their usefulness as screening and confirmatory CDT analysis systems. A set of 292 serum samples from routine CDT analysis was analyzed by two assays based on anion-exchanger microcolumn CDT and non-CDT fractionation followed by a turbidimetric immunoassay (ChronAlcoI.D. and %CDT TIA) and a high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line sample preparation (ClinRep CDT on-line). The CDT analysis results were divided into four groups based on the test-specific borderlines of the compared methods: NN with negative CDT results by both tests, PN with positive screening but negative confirmation results, NP with negative screening and positive confirmation results, and PP with positive results by both tests. Regardless of the test combination and whether applying the lower or upper limits of the borderlines, approximately one-third of contradictory (positive screening and negative confirmation or vice versa corresponding to groups PN and NP) were obtained. This was not due to analytical outliers (only 6 of 292 serum samples). Indeed, parametric and non-parametric ANOVA analysis pointed to different calibrations and/or recoveries of the three CDT assays. Our data give again evidence for the urgent need of an international CDT isoform standard material. At this time, we cannot recommend a combination of the three tests for screening and confirmatory analysis in forensic CDT testing.

Comparison of Pulsatile and Nonpulsatile Perfusion of the Lung in an Extracorporeal Large Animal Model

Objective: Extracorporeal lung-perfusion models are widely used to evaluate pulmonary preservation techniques and reperfusion injury. However, these models mainly depend on nonpulsatile flow, which is not physiological and can subsequently lead to pulmonary edema. Observation in a standardized setting and reliability of functional and structural data assessment are therefore limited. To overcome these limitations we developed a new extracorporeal large animal lung perfusion model utilizing pulsatile flow to perfuse the pulmonary vasculature. Methods: Lungs of juvenile domestic pigs were in situ preserved with 2 liters Perfadex^® and stored for 3 h at 10°C. Thereafter, reperfusion of the lung was performed in an extracorporeal blood perfusion circuit employing either a modified roller pump with pulsatile module (300 ml/min; pulsation rate 90/min) or a standardized roller pump with continuous flow (30 ml/min). Ventilation was performed with physiologic room air (350 ml; 16/min) for 1 h. Pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion was performed in 2 groups (group NP: nonpulsatile; group P: pulsatile flow, n = 7) during reperfusion. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and oxygenation capacity (ΔPO₂) were continuously measured. For control of the effectiveness of the pulsatile perfusion pressure waveforms were obtained directly from the native pulmonary artery of both groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a parameter for lipid peroxidation and endothelial cell damage was assessed at 10, 30 and 50 min reperfusion. At the end of the study, pulmonary water content was assessed by means of wet-to-dry ratio (W/D ratio). The tissue was further processed for microscopic analysis. Results: PIP increased significantly in both groups during reperfusion. Mean PAP in both groups increased to 60 mm Hg after 20 min followed by a decrease after 60 min to 40 mm Hg. Pressure waveforms of the pulmonary artery showed sufficient pulsatility in the pulmonary vasculature with a systolic/diastolic pressure difference of 15 mm Hg whereas the pressure difference was 3–5 mm Hg in the nonpulsatile group. ΔPO₂ was stable in groups NP and P during reperfusion (30 min: NP: 66.4 (62.2–88) mm Hg; P: 74.8 (65–81.7) mm Hg) without any statistically significant differences between the groups. MDA in group NP decreased over the reperfusion period from 6.2 (3.3–6.3) µM at 10 min to 5.2 (3.2–6.1) µM at 50 min, whereas in group P the level increased and was significantly higher after 50 min reperfusion compared to group NP [6.6 (6.1–9.2) µM at 50 min; p = 0.016]. W/D ratio was 6.7 (6.3–7.0) in group NP and 6.8 (6.3–7.6) in group P. Light microscopy evaluation showed no differences between both groups regarding severity of intra-alveolar and interstitial edema and numbers of intra-alveolar, intracapillary and interstitial granulocytes. Conclusion: Although effective pulsatile perfusion of the pulmonary vasculature was achieved by means of a modified roller pump, this measure obviously did not improve functional parameters nor did it significantly reduce the edema formation after 3 h ischemia in this extracorporeal lung perfusion model. The use of pulsatile perfusion is therefore not mandatory in the extracorporeal setting of a large animal lung perfusion model.

Terminally ill patients and Jehovah's Witnesses: teaching acceptance of patients' refusals of vital treatments.

To find out whether and how the teaching of medical ethics can influence attitudes on accepting treatment refusals. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 4 groups of students at the University of Geneva who had participated (P) or not (nP) in teaching modules on medical law and ethics. One vignette described a terminally ill patient refusing mechanical ventilation, another a Jehovah's Witness refusing a life-saving blood transfusion. 127 medical and 168 law students. 5-point Likert scale of responses to the vignettes reaching from certain acceptance to certain non-acceptance of the treatment refusal. More than 80% of law students (nP) said that a good physician should accept the terminally ill patient's refusal. 84% (P) compared to 68% (nP) of medical students (P=0.03) would accept this refusal. The acceptance of the Jehovah's Witness refusal of a life-saving transfusion was less among all students. Students from the groups (P) reported significantly more often (P < 0.001) that they would accept (76% of medical students) or that a good physician should accept (63% of law students) the treatment refusal of the Jehovah's Witness than medical students (48%) and law students (27%) from the two other groups (nP). (P) students showed significantly more acceptance of treatment refusals in the hypothetical case scenarios than (nP) students from the same faculty. Religion, cultural origin and school education of the parents had less influence on attitudes than participation in ethical teaching and type of student (medicine vs. law).

Exogenous Nitric Oxide Protects Kidney from Ischemia/Reperfusion

Blockade of NO production is followed by an increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion resulting in some deleterious effects of ischemia. Preischemic administration of NO protects vascular integrity after reperfusion. Exogenous NO causes a direct reduction in leukocyte adhesion. This work was performed to test the hypothesis that exogenous NO administered during the preischemic period to the kidney alone, without coming into contact with the leukocytes, could also reduce leukocyte-endothelium adhesion. Adult rats were subjected to in situ isolation of the left kidney. Solutions were infused through the renal artery and drained through an incision in the renal vein, thus avoiding the systemic circulation. Group IC rats served as an ischemic control, and received 0.9% saline. Group NP received Na nitroprusside. Group S was a nonischemic control. Groups IC and NP were subjected to 75 min of renal ischemia. After this period, vascular structures were repaired and reperfusion allowed. A right nephrectomy was performed. Serum urea and creatinine, myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathological studies were carried out at different intervals after reperfusion. Survival at 15 days was 46%, 80%, and 100% in groups IC, NP, and S, respectively. Differences between groups for serum urea and creatinine were significant only during the first seven days. Myeloperoxidase values were significantly higher in group IC. All rats from group IC and only 20% from group NP showed histological evidence of necrosis. Thus, exogenous NO is protective and acts selectively upon the kidney, modulating its interactions with polymorphonuclear cells after ischemia/reperfusion.

Effects of a β-andrenergic agonist on growth performance, body composition and nutrient retention in finishing pigs fed normal or low amounts of protein

ABSTRACTIn earlier studies with pigs the P-adrenergic agonist Ro 16·8714 ((3-AG) enhanced the efficiency of nitrogen (N) retention. Therefore effects of Ro 16·8714 were studied on growth rate, body composition, N, fat and energy retention in pigs fed isoenergetically, but given different amounts of protein (112 or 138 g/kg diet) without (groups LP and NP) or with 60 mg Ro 16·8714 per kg diet (groups LPP and NPP) from 60 to 100 kg live weight. Weight gain (898, 927, 855 and 810 g/day in NP, NPp, LP and LPp) decreased, whereas food: gain ratio (2·94, 2·82, 3·04 and 3·24 kg/kg in NP, NPP, LP and LPP) was increased by low protein intake (P &lt; 0·05) and both weight gain and food conversion were modified by the interaction (P × P) of protein intake and Ro 16·8714 (P &lt; 0·05). Killing-out proportion (820, 830, 830 and 830 g/kg in groups NP, NPp, LP and LPP) was modified by protein intake and Ro 16·8714 (P &lt; 0·05). Carcass growth rate (760, 814, 748 and 723 g/day in NP, NPP, LP and LPP) was modified by protein intake and by P × p (P &lt; 0·05), while non-carcass growth rate (90, 77, 76 and 56 g/day in NP, NPP, LP and LPP) was changed by protein intake and by Ro 16·8714 (P &lt; 0·05). Compared with NP, weights of kidneys (−0·025 kg), small intestine (−0·26 kg) and large intestine (−0·17 kg) were decreased by low protein feeding, and weights of heart, spleen and stomach decreased in response to Ro 16·8714 (-002, -0·02 and -0·06 kg; P &lt; 0·05) while both low protein intake and Ro 16·8714 reduced liver weight (−0·12 and −0·23 kg, respectively; P &lt; 0·05) and blood volume obtained at slaughter (-0·12 and -0·23 kg; P &lt; 0·05). Carcass N (1813, 1970, 1786 and 1825 g in NP NPp, LP and LPP) increased in response to Ro 16-8714, but was reduced by low protein intake (P &lt; 0·05), while noncarcass N (330, 309, 312 and 285 g in NP, NPp, LP and LPP) was decreased by both low protein intake and Ro 16-8714 (P &lt; 0·01). Carcass and non-carcass fat (22·1, 19·9, 23·4 and 23·0 kg, respectively 1·51, 1·41, 1·59 and 1·68 kg in NP, NPp, LP and LPP) increased with low protein feeding (P &lt; 0·05), but were not significantly influenced by Ro 16·8714. The efficiency of N retention (295, 363, 321 and 327 g/kg N retained: N intake in NP, NPp, LP and LPP) was enhanced by Ro 16·8714 (P &gt; 0·05) whereas the efficiency of energy retention was not influenced by Ro 16·8714 and protein intake. In conclusion, an adequate intake of protein is necessary for optimum expression of many, but not all, effects of the P-adrenergic agonist Ro 16·8714.

Incidence of Candida albicans in women using oral contraceptives.

Abstract. An attempt was made to evaluate, by means of culture investigations, the incidence of Candida albicans in 276 healthy women of fertile age. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group P (80 subjects), users of oral contraceptives; groups NP (158 subjects) non‐users; group AP (38 subjects), former users. Group P included 15% with Candida albicans and 56% with erosion, as against 5% and 24%, respectively, in group NP. The difference in incidence of Candida albicans and erosion between groups P and NP is significant at the 5% level. No significant difference was found between groups NP and AP. The incidence of Candida albicans, trichomonas and erosion is discussed and compared with previous reports.